jenny@zen: One Step. One Step

Bay of Fires, Tasmania - that's me in the middle.

So, why did I think I could walk 800 kms in 30-32 days? I've always loved walking. And over the years I've done a few long and/or challenging walks. I loved the solitude of walking in Nepal with just a guide and a porter. I loved the challenge of the Inca Trail in Peru. And I loved the beauty of The Bay of Fires in Tasmania. But, they were strolls compared to The Camino. Then came the Coastrek.

Pam, Me and Mike

Zen Trekkers Team

In March this year, I walked the Coastrek, a 100 km coastal walk from Palm Beach to Coogee in Sydney. Our team, Zen Trekkers, included my sister Pam and my brother Michael. When we decided to take on that challenge, 100kms walking throughout the day and night seemed almost impossible. But, gradually, over about 4 months we built up the distance. I remember being exhausted after my first 20km walk, but then not too long after that it was 25km then 30, 35, 40 ... you get the picture. Finally, the longest training was a 60km overnight walk. I remember finishing that walk at Bondi Beach at around 6am. My feet were burning and I wondered how on earth it would be possible to walk another 40km. At that time, while I was still enthusiastic and determined to give it a go, I was honestly doubtful that I would be able to do it.

But just a couple of weeks later, we did it! With the right training, the right gear, the excitement of taking on that challenge with my sister and brother - and with a great support team - we made it, exhausted and elated as we crossed the finish line.

It's amazing what you can do when you take things one step at a time.